Phnom Penh: The plenary meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, on April 23, 2026, decided to approve the draft law on military conscription and declare it urgent.
The draft law, consisting of 8 chapters and 20 articles, is designed to implement the new Article 49 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This draft law sets out the rules for implementing military service to contribute to building the nation and defending the homeland, which is a necessary and honorable duty of the Khmer people and is the foundation of the source of building strength for the national defense sector and developing physical fitness, as well as cultivating patriotism, education, and discipline, which are the needs of the nation.
At the same time, this draft law applies to all Khmer citizens aged 18 (eighteen) years to 25 (twenty-five) years who are required to perform military service according to the provisions of this law. In particular, the performance of military service by Khmer women shall be based on the principle of voluntary service. This law is promulgated urgently.
Previously, the Kingdom of Cambodia had a law on military service, which was promulgated by Royal Decree No. NS/RKM/1206/030 dated December 22, 2006, and other relevant legal documents. However, the 2006 Law on Military Service does not yet cover all aspects of the present and future, which requires the preparation of a new law.
The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, continues to uphold the fundamental principles of His Excellency Mr. Hun Sen. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have been carrying out national defense duties, participating in social development and rescue in all aspects, and implementing all orders of the Royal Government in a timely and effective manner.
